The Right To Regulate Marriage Belongs To The States

Historically, laws regulating family and domestic affairs have been almost exclusively regulated by the states. I see no reason to change that. The Defense of Marriage Act, which I support and which Congress passed in 1996, clearly states that marriage is between a man and a woman. In addition, this legislation affirms the right of states to choose not to recognize same-sex marriages, regardless of where they occurred. Most states, including my home state of Maine, have passed laws declaring that they will not recognize such marriages. Therefore, I voted against proceeding with the constitutional amendment at this time.